Filling machine with information collection function and information collection method in filling machine

Abstract

To facilitate investigation of causes of troubles occurring in a filling machine and traceability of manufacturing information.SOLUTION: A filling machine is equipped with a turret conveyance device and a linear conveyance device. A carton held by a mandrel is conveyed in the turret conveyance device. The carton held by a carrier holder is conveyed in the linear conveyance device. The carton has a unique identification mark, which is read by an imaging device. A management database 51 stores a mandrel number identifying a mandrel used for holding and conveying the carton identified by the unique identification mark and a carrier holder number identifying a carrier holder in association with a carton unique identification mark.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling machine equipped with an information collection device. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, a filling machine that fills liquid into paper containers generally performs both a paper container forming process and a liquid filling process to produce a liquid-filled paper container (liquid paper container). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-40267

[0004] Many products, including liquid cartons, are assigned a lot number for each unit they are shipped in, such as a dozen or a carton. The lot number allows for the integrated management of a series of processes, from product manufacturing to inventory management, transportation, display in stores, and sales, and also makes it possible to find out in which store a particular product was displayed after it was shipped. In recent years, with the increasing sophistication of POS (Point Of Sale) systems, it is now possible to assign lot numbers to each individual product, rather than to multiple units such as a dozen or a carton.

[0005] When a problem such as a defective product occurs with a liquid carton, the manufacturing plant and filling machine used in production are identified from the lot number, and the multiple pieces of equipment on the filling machine (heating equipment, pressing equipment, etc.) are inspected. However, the manufacturing of liquid cartons involves many steps, and identifying the cause can take time. If the entire manufacturing line had to be stopped to identify the cause, a long period of time would be lost. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to make it easier to investigate the cause of problems that occur in filling machines and to enable traceability of liquid paper containers and their manufacturing information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The filling machine with information collection device of this invention comprises a plurality of holding means each holding a plurality of cartons that are supplied, a conveying means for intermittently conveying the plurality of cartons each held by the plurality of holding means by intermittently moving the holding means, a filling means for filling liquid contents into the carton when the intermittently conveyed carton stops, a sealing means for sealing the opening of the carton when the intermittently conveyed carton stops, a measuring means for measuring the sealing conditions when sealed by the sealing means, an identification information acquisition means for acquiring carton-specific identification information assigned to each of the plurality of cartons that are supplied, and a memory means for storing, in association with the carton-specific identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means, the identification information of the holding means that holds the carton identified by the unique identification information and the sealing conditions for that carton.

[0008] The present invention also provides an information collection method for a filling machine, which acquires carton-specific identification information assigned to each of a plurality of cartons supplied, intermittently moves a plurality of holding means that respectively hold the plurality of cartons supplied, thereby intermittently transporting the plurality of cartons respectively held by the plurality of holding means, filling the cartons with liquid contents when the intermittently transported cartons stop, sealing the openings of the cartons when the intermittently transported cartons stop, measuring the sealing conditions during sealing, and storing in a storage device, in association with the acquired carton-specific identification information, the identification information of the holding means that holds the carton identified by the unique identification information and the sealing conditions for the carton.

[0009] The cartons to be filled with liquid contents are held by a holding means and transported intermittently, repeatedly moving and stopping. During the periods when the transport is stopped, various processes are performed on the cartons, including filling them with liquid contents and sealing (closing the opening).

[0010] After the liquid contents are filled through the opening of an open carton, the opening is sealed, enclosing the liquid contents inside the carton. Not only the filling process but also the sealing process is carried out in a filling machine. Generally, the opening is heated to melt the resin layered on the carton, and in that state the opening is closed by pressing on it, and then the opening is cooled to solidify the resin, thereby firmly closing the opening (thermally welding, sealing).

[0011] The sealing conditions during sealing, typically the heating temperature when the roof top and bottom are heated with hot air, the air pressure, and the pressure when pressing the sealed area, are measured by measuring means (sensors). The temperature and flow rate of the cooling water used to cool the sealed area from the outside may also be included in the sealing conditions.

[0012] According to this invention, each of the plurality of cartons supplied is assigned unique identification information, and this unique carton identification information, identification information for the holding means that holds the carton when the carton is transported, and the sealing conditions for the carton are associated and stored in storage means. Not only the processing data (such as the heating temperature described above) by the processing device that controls the multiple processes for the carton (for example, the heating device described above), but also the holding means that holds the carton for transporting it in the filling device are included in the carton's manufacturing history.

[0013] This invention makes it easier to narrow down the cause of problems when problems occur in the final product, cartons filled with liquid contents (liquid paper containers). For example, if it is determined that problems are concentrated in cartons filled with liquid contents manufactured using a specific holding means, it is possible to minimize the time lost from production stoppages by continuing to operate the filling machine while avoiding the use of only that specific holding means, without having to stop the operation of the entire filling machine and spend time on detailed inspections or investigations. In either case, it is easier to investigate the cause of problems occurring in the filling machine.

[0014] In one embodiment, the conveying means comprises a first conveying means having as the holding means a mandrel into which the carton is inserted, and a second conveying means having as the holding means a carrier holder that supports from the outside the carton delivered from the first conveying means, and identification information of the mandrel and identification information of the carrier holder are associated with identification information unique to the carton and stored in the storage means. It is possible to record in detail the holding means used in manufacturing cartons containing liquid contents.

[0015] In another embodiment, the sealing means includes bottom sealing means for sealing the bottom of a carton whose roof and bottom are both open and which is intermittently conveyed by the first conveying means, and top sealing means for sealing the roof of a carton whose bottom is closed and whose roof is open and which is intermittently conveyed by the second conveying means, and the sealing conditions when sealing by the bottom sealing means and the sealing conditions when sealing by the top sealing means are stored in the storage means in association with identification information unique to the carton. The sealing conditions when manufacturing cartons containing liquid contents can be recorded in detail.

[0016] Preferably, an imaging means for imaging the carton is provided, and data representing the image of the carton imaged by the imaging means is stored in the storage means in association with identification information unique to the carton. Foreign matter contamination, etc. can be inspected based on the image of the carton imaged by the imaging means. The timing of imaging by the imaging means may be before or after the liquid contents are filled into the carton by the filling means. Furthermore, the portion of the carton imaged by the imaging means may be the inside of the carton or the outside (surface) of the carton. Preferably, multiple imaging means are provided.

[0017] In another embodiment, at least one of the time when the carton was put into the filling machine and the time when the carton was discharged from the filling machine is stored in the storage means in association with the carton's unique identification information, allowing the carton's manufacturing history, including the time, to be recorded in detail. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liquid paper container. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic representation of the filling process. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a filling machine with an information collection function; [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow and data recording flow of the filling machine. [Figure 6] 1 shows an example of a management database. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid paper container (a carton containing liquid contents).

[0020] The liquid paper container 1D shown in Figure 1 is of a type known as a gable top, and comprises a rectangular cylindrical body 2, a pair of sloped roofs 3 that close the top of the body 2, and a bottom 4 that closes the bottom of the body 2. A top 5 that extends slightly above the pair of sloped roofs 3 is overlapped and glued together.

[0021] A plastic spout 6 is attached to one of the pair of sloping roof portions 3. The spout 6 includes a cap and a spout (not shown) that connects the outside and inside of the liquid paper container 1D; by removing the cap, the spout 6 (spout) can be opened and the contents of the liquid paper container 1D can be poured out. The liquid paper container 1D can store alcoholic beverages (Japanese sake, Western spirits, shochu, mirin, etc.), beverages (juice, tea, milk, etc.), seasonings (soy sauce, sauce, dressing, etc.), and other liquids.

[0022] The body 2, sloped roof 3, bottom 4, and top 5 are formed into the shape shown in Figure 1 by folding and gluing predetermined locations on a single blank sheet that has been punched into a predetermined shape. When punching the blank sheet, lines are made at the folding locations to make it easier to fold, and a stopper attachment hole is also drilled for attaching the stopper 6. The blank sheet is primarily made of paper, and its inner and outer surfaces are laminated with adhesive layers, barrier layers, printed layers, and other functional layers. In particular, the innermost layer is laminated with a thermoplastic resin such as low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, or linear low-density polyethylene, which can be bonded relatively firmly by undergoing heating and cooling.

[0023] An individual identification symbol 7 is printed on the bottom of one side of the body 2. The individual identification symbol 7 is a combination (symbol string) of numbers, letters, and other symbols that differs for each liquid paper container 1D (i.e., for each product). It should be understood that the individual identification symbol 7 differs for each liquid paper container 1D even for the same type of product, and is not a product type symbol that is attached to each product of the same type. Instead of printing the individual identification symbol (symbol string) 7 itself, a two-dimensional barcode or other code representing the individual identification symbol 7 may be printed. The individual identification symbol 7 may also be printed in a visible manner using a special tool such as stealth printing. Of course, instead of printing the individual identification symbol 7 on the body 2, a sticker on which the individual identification symbol 7 is printed may be affixed to the body 2. The individual identification symbol 7 may also be printed on a panel that constitutes the bottom 4 (a part that can be seen after molding) instead of the body 2.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the process steps of a filling machine for assembling a liquid paper container 1D and filling it with liquid contents.

[0025] In the blank supply and carton erection process, folded cartons (blank materials) 1A are supplied to the filling device. The folded cartons 1A are erected by a carton erection device (not shown) to form rectangular cylindrical cartons 1B that are open at the top and bottom.

[0026] The process proceeds to the bottom forming process. In the bottom forming process, a turret conveying device is used, which includes a rotating turret and multiple mandrels fixed to the turret at equal angular intervals (details will be described later). The carton 1B is inserted into the mandrel M1 from its top opening. As the turret rotates intermittently by a predetermined angle, the carton 1B inserted into the mandrel M1 also rotates intermittently by a predetermined angle. Each time the carton 1B rotates, a bottom forming process is performed on the bottom surface of the carton 1B using a heater, a crease-breaking device, and a press device, and the bottom 4 of the carton 1B is formed. The bottom opening is closed by the bottom 4, forming a carton 1C.

[0027] After the bottom forming process, the carton 1C is transferred to another conveying device. In this embodiment, the conveying device used is a linear conveying device that conveys the carton 1C linearly and intermittently (details will be described later). The carton 1C is held in each of the carrier holders provided at predetermined intervals on a chain driven by a motor. The chain drives the carrier holders to move linearly intermittently a predetermined distance at a time, and the carton 1C held in the carrier holder moves linearly intermittently from upstream to downstream, and proceeds in order through the multiple processes described below.

[0028] In the plug attachment process, the plugs 6 are attached to the plug attachment holes 8 that have been pre-opened in the carton 1C. The plugs 6 are inserted into the plug attachment holes 8 from the inside to the outside of the carton 1C and fixed to the carton 1C by ultrasonic welding.

[0029] In the next filling step, the liquid contents are filled into the carton 1C from the top opening, and the inside of the carton 1C is filled with the liquid contents.

[0030] Next, the process moves to the top forming process. The top of the carton 1C is heated by a heater, and then a crease-breaking device and a press are used to form the sloped roof 3 and top 5. The top and bottom are sealed, completing the liquid paper container 1D filled with the liquid contents.

[0031] Finally, the process proceeds to the discharge process. The liquid paper container 1D filled with the liquid contents is released from the carrier holder and discharged outside the filling machine by a conveyor. The liquid paper container 1D is shrink-wrapped as necessary, then stored in cardboard boxes or the like and shipped.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a front view showing the overall configuration of the filling machine 10 with information collection function. Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the linear conveying device 30 provided in the filling machine 10. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow and data recording flow of the filling machine 10. Fig. 6 is an example of a management database 51 in which data is recorded.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3, filling machine 10 with information collection function includes a rotary turret conveying device 20 and a linear conveying device 30. Turret conveying device 20 is disposed upstream, and linear conveying device 30 is disposed downstream. Filling machine 10 also includes a control device 50 that controls the overall operation of the filling machine. Under the control of control device 50, the operation of turret conveying device 20, linear conveying device 30, and various other devices described below are controlled.

[0034] As will be described later, filling machine 10 with information collection function is equipped with a plurality of sensors (measuring means) such as an imaging device, a thermometer, and a pressure gauge, and a control device 50. Data acquired by the various sensors (image data, temperature data, pressure data, ultrasonic data, etc.) is transmitted to control device 50 and recorded in management database 51 (FIG. 6) connected to control device 50. When recording, the data may be stored in management database 51 via a data collection and processing control device.

[0035] The control device 50 can temporarily stop the operation of various devices when the data acquired by the various sensors indicates an abnormal value. For example, suppose that in the above-mentioned plug attachment process, the plug 6 is not properly inserted into the plug attachment hole 8 and is attached with a part of it protruding into the carton 1C. Or, suppose that the plug 6 falls off into the carton 1C. An abnormality is detected in an image inspection of the inside of the carton 1C using an imaging device installed downstream of the plug attachment process. For the carton 1C for which an abnormality is detected, the control device 50 can control the subsequent process (filling process) to be skipped. Since an empty carton 1D not filled with liquid contents is discharged, the shipment of defective products can be prevented.

[0036] 3, the turret transfer device 20 includes a turret 21 that is rotated intermittently by a predetermined angle by a motor (not shown), and a plurality of mandrels M1 to M6, six in this embodiment, that protrude outward from the turret 21. The mandrels M1 to M6 are attached to the turret 21 at equal angular intervals, which in this embodiment are at angular intervals of 60°. As the turret 21 rotates intermittently by 60°, the mandrels M1 to M6 also move intermittently by 60°. In other words, the turret 21 and the mandrels M1 to M6 repeatedly rotate by 60° and remain stationary for a predetermined period of time. The number of mandrels and the rotation angle can be set arbitrarily.

[0037] The positions and rest times at which the mandrels M1 to M6 intermittently come to rest are fixed, and at each rest position, a station (not shown) is provided in which various devices are installed for processing, sensing (inspection), etc., the bottom of the carton 1B. The turret transport device 20 has six stations, the first station ST1 to the sixth station ST6, and various devices can be installed at each of these stations ST1 to ST6. The number of stations can be adjusted as desired. Also, it is not necessarily necessary to install various devices at all stations.

[0038] The carton 1B, which has been opened at the top and bottom due to being erected, is supplied (loaded) into the turret conveying device 20 (step 61). When the carton 1B is loaded into the turret conveying device 20, the individual identification symbol 7 (see FIG. 1) printed on the carton 1B is imaged by the imaging device 22. Image data including the individual identification symbol 7 imaged by the imaging device 22 is sent to the control device 50, and the individual identification symbol printed on the carton 1B is image-recognized in the control device 50 (step 62). If the individual identification symbol 7 is a barcode, a barcode scanner is installed instead of the imaging device 22, and the individual identification symbol 7 is recognized from the scan data sent to the control device 50.

[0039] Instead of printing the individual identification symbol 7 on the carton (blank material) 1A in advance, the individual identification symbol 7 may be printed on the carton 1B (or the carton 1A just before erection) just before the carton 1B is placed in the turret conveying device 20. In this case, a printing device is provided instead of the imaging device 22, and the individual identification symbol 7 is transmitted to both the printing device and the control device 50.

[0040] 6, when the individual identification symbol unique to the carton 1B placed in the turret conveying device 20 is recognized, the control device 50 creates a new record in the management database 51 and records the individual identification symbol in the created record. The time at which the individual identification symbol is recorded in the record (the time at which the carton 1B is placed in the turret conveying device 20) is also recorded in the created record (step 81). In addition, when the carton 1B is placed in the turret conveying device 20, the pressure (main air pressure) of the compressor that sends compressed air to various devices is measured by a pressure gauge. The main air pressure is also transmitted to the control device 50 and recorded in the management database 51. The timing at which the compressor pressure is measured is not limited to the timing at which the carton 1B is placed in the turret conveying device 20, and may be any timing.

[0041] A management database 51 can be provided for each production line. However, one management database 51 can also be used for multiple filling machines 10, in which case a symbol or code (machine number) identifying the filling machine is also recorded in the management database 51. If multiple production lines are provided for one filling machine 10, a line number (machine row number) identifying that production line may be recorded in the management database 51.

[0042] Returning to Figure 3, carton 1B is inserted into one of the first to sixth mandrels M1 to M6 through its top opening, and as turret 21 rotates intermittently, carton 1B moves sequentially from first station ST1 to sixth station ST6. Carton 1B loaded into turret conveying device 20 first advances to first station ST1. When carton 1B is loaded, carton 1B is inserted into a mandrel (first mandrel M1 in Figure 3) that is temporarily stationary at first station ST1 (step 63).

[0043] When the carton 1B is inserted into the mandrel at the first station ST1, a mandrel number unique to the specific mandrel into which the carton 1B is inserted (any or all of the first to sixth mandrels M1 to M6) is identified, and the identified mandrel number is associated with an individual identification symbol and recorded in the management database 51 (step 82). A unique mandrel number is assigned to each of the first to sixth mandrels M1 to M6. Any of the mandrel numbers 1 to 6 will be associated with the individual identification symbol unique to the carton 1B.

[0044] The mandrel numbers may be identified by attaching an IC chip on which the mandrel number (one of numbers 1 to 6) is recorded to each of the first through sixth mandrels M1 to M6, and reading the mandrel number recorded on the IC chip via short-range wireless communication at the first station ST1. Alternatively, a specific mandrel (for example, the first mandrel M1) may always be positioned at the first station ST1 when the turret conveying device 20 starts operating, and thereafter the numbers 1 to 6 may be cycled (the mandrel number is incremented until the number of installed mandrels is reached, and then returns to number 1). Furthermore, a rotary encoder may be used to determine the current positions (angular positions) of the first through sixth mandrels M1 to M6, and the mandrel number of the specific mandrel positioned at the first station ST1 may be recorded. In either case, for each carton 1B, which of the six mandrels M1 to M6 the carton 1B is inserted into is recorded in the management database 51. The rotary encoder is provided on a drive shaft that rotates the turret 21 or a main shaft that drives a rotary shaft that rotates the turret 21, or the like.

[0045] The second and third stations ST2 and ST3 are provided with heated air blowers 23 and 24, respectively. Hot air (heated by a heater and then blown out by a blower) blown from the heated air blower 23 is blown onto the bottom of the carton 1B, thereby melting the thermoplastic resin at the bottom of the carton 1B and raising the temperature to a temperature at which it can be bonded (step 64, bottom searing). The second and third stations ST2 and ST3, where the heated air blowers 23 and 24 are installed, are also provided with thermometers and pressure gauges (neither shown), and when the carton 1B is stationary at each of the second and third stations ST2 and ST3, data (bottom sealing conditions) indicating the heater temperature (searing temperature) measured by the thermometer and the blower pressure (discharge pressure) measured by the pressure gauge are sent to the control device 50 and recorded in the management database 51 (step 83). In the management database 51 shown in Figure 6, "roasting temperature (1)" and "blower pressure (1)" under bottom seal conditions indicate the measurement data from the thermometer and pressure gauge installed at the second station ST2, and "roasting temperature (2)" and "blower pressure (2)" indicate the measurement data from the thermometer and pressure gauge installed at the third station ST3.

[0046] The fourth station ST4 is provided with a crease-folding device 25. The lower part of the carton 1B is folded by the crease-folding device 25, whereby the crease-folding pattern is pre-folded on the lower panel of the carton 1B (crease-folding).

[0047] The fifth station ST5 is provided with a press device 26. The bottom of the carton 1B that has been folded by the above-mentioned crease-breaking device 25 is clamped between the press device 26 and a mandrel, thereby bonding the panels that make up the bottom of the carton 1B together to form the bottom 4. A carton 1C is produced whose bottom is closed by the bottom 4 (step 65, bottom seal).

[0048] Press device 26 has a flow path through which cooling water flows, and the press plate of press device 26, cooled by the cooling water, is pressed against the bottom of carton 1B, thereby accelerating the solidification (sealing) of the thermoplastic resin. When carton 1B is stationary at fifth station ST5, the press pressure measured by the pressure gauge, the cooling water temperature (chiller water temperature) measured by the thermometer, and the cooling water flow rate (chiller water flow rate) measured by the flowmeter (which are also included in the bottom sealing conditions) are sent to control device 50 and recorded in management database 51 (step 84).

[0049] The sixth station ST6 is a station for transferring the carton 1C from the turret transfer device 20 to the linear transfer device 30. The carton 1C is moved downward, and thereby the carton 1C is transferred from the turret transfer device 20 to the linear transfer device 30.

[0050] The linear conveying device 30 will be briefly described with reference to Figure 4. The linear conveying device 30 comprises a pair of conveying devices 30A, 30B that are spaced apart and driven synchronously. The carton 1C (liquid-carton container 1D) is sandwiched between the pair of conveying devices 30A, 30B and conveyed linearly between the two conveying devices 30A, 30B in their longitudinal direction.

[0051] The conveying devices 30A and 30B are equipped with a drive sprocket 31 and a driven sprocket 32 ​​that are spaced apart along the conveying direction, and a carrier conveying chain 33 that is stretched over each of the drive sprocket 31 and the driven sprocket 32. A motor (not shown) connected to the drive sprocket 31 rotates intermittently, causing the carrier conveying chain 33 that is stretched over the drive sprocket 31 to intermittently circulate between the drive sprocket 31 and the driven sprocket 32.

[0052] A plurality of carrier holders 34 are attached to the carrier conveying chain 33. The carrier holders 34 are attached in a direction protruding outward from the carrier conveying chain 33, and four corners of the carton 1C (liquid paper container 1D) are held from the outside by a pair (two) of adjacent carrier holders 34a and 34b of one conveying device 30A and a pair (two) of adjacent carrier holders 34c and 34d of the other conveying device 30B, for a total of four carrier holders 34, or two corners of the carton 1C (liquid paper container 1D) are held from the outside by a pair of diagonally positioned carrier holders 34a and 34d or carrier holders 34b and 34c. When the carrier conveying chain 33 moves intermittently, the carton 1C (liquid paper container 1D) held by the carrier holders 34 also moves intermittently in the conveying direction between the pair of conveying devices 30A and 30B. The carrier holders 34 and cartons 1C (liquid paper containers 1D) repeat linear movement of a predetermined distance and standing still for a predetermined period of time. The number of sets of carrier holders 34 provided on the carrier conveying chain 33 is approximately twice the number of stations provided on the linear conveying device 30, which will be described next.

[0053] The linear conveying device 30 (conveying devices 30A, 30B) is driven in synchronization with the above-mentioned turret conveying device 20. That is, when the first to sixth mandrels M1 to M2 rotate by 60° in the turret conveying device 20, the carrier holders 34 (a set of four carrier holders 34) in the linear conveying device 30 move a predetermined distance in synchronization with this. The synchronization between the turret conveying device 20 and the linear conveying device 30 may be achieved mechanically (for example, by driving both devices with one main shaft) or electrically (for example, by synchronizing the drive signals given to the motors used in the turret conveying device 20 and the linear conveying device 30).

[0054] Similar to the turret conveying device 20, the linear conveying device 30 also has stations (not shown) at each of the positions where the sets of carrier holders 34 intermittently come to rest, where various devices for processing, sensing, etc. are fixed. The linear conveying device 30 of this embodiment has 41 stations, from the seventh station ST7 to the 47th station ST47, and various devices can be attached to each of the 41 stations ST7 to ST47. The number of stations in the linear conveying device 30 is also arbitrary, and it is not necessarily necessary to provide various devices at all stations.

[0055] 3, at the seventh station ST7, the carton 1C is transferred from the sixth station ST6 of the turret conveying device 20. As described above, the carton 1C transferred from the turret conveying device 20 to the linear conveying device 30 is held at its four corners by a set of four carrier holders 34 (step 66). The carton 1C moves linearly a predetermined distance and then stops, repeatedly, moving sequentially from the seventh station ST7 to the 47th station ST47.

[0056] Similar to the mandrel number described above, a unique number (carrier holder number) is assigned to a set of carrier holders 34 that hold a carton 1C (liquid paper container 1D). The carrier holder number is assigned to a set of four carrier holders 34a to 34d used to hold a carton 1C (liquid paper container 1D).

[0057] At the seventh station ST7 where the carton 1C is handed over, the individual identification number of the carton 1C handed over from the turret conveying device 20 (put into the linear conveying device 30) is associated with the carrier holder number of the set of carrier holders 34 holding that carton 1C. As with the identification of the mandrel number described above, the carrier holder number is identified by attaching an IC chip on which the carrier holder number is recorded to each set of carrier holders 34 (one of the sets of four carrier holders 34a to 34d), and by reading the carrier holder number recorded on the IC chip at the seventh station ST7 via short-range wireless communication, the carrier holder number of the set of carrier holders 34 holding the handed over carton 1C can be identified. A specific set of carrier holders 34 may always be positioned at the seventh station ST7 when the linear conveying device 30 starts operating, and the number may then be cycled (the carrier holder number is incremented until the number of sets of carrier holders 34 reaches the number installed, and then returns to number 1). Alternatively, a rotary encoder may be used to grasp the angular position of the drive sprocket 31, and a unique carrier holder number may be recorded for the specific set of carrier holders 34 located at the seventh station ST7. Alternatively, a slit or hole may be made in the specific holder, and the carrier holder number may be recognized by detecting the passage of the holder with a sensor. In either case, for each carton 1C, which of the multiple sets of carrier holders 34 held that carton 1C is recorded in the management database 51 (step 85).

[0058] A plug attachment device 41 is provided at the twentieth station ST20. The plug attachment device 41 inserts the plugs 6 from the inside outward into the plug attachment holes 8 of the carton 1C, inserts a stopper member into the carton 1C, and presses a horn (not shown) that transmits ultrasonic vibrations from an ultrasonic oscillator against the location of the plugs 6 corresponding to the flange portion from the outside of the carton 1C. The plugs 6 are ultrasonically welded and fixed to the carton 1C by the vibration and pressure from the ultrasonic oscillator (step 67). The processes for attaching the plugs (insertion of the plugs 6 into the plug attachment holes 8, ultrasonic welding, etc.) may be performed using multiple stations before and after the twentieth station ST20.

[0059] A pressure gauge (not shown) is also installed in the 20th station ST20. Welding conditions such as the amplitude of vibration controlled by the ultrasonic oscillator, welding time (oscillation time), welding energy (integrated value of current value and oscillation time), and welding pressure are transmitted to the control device 50 and recorded in the management database 51 (step 86).

[0060] The 30th station ST30 is provided with an imaging device 42. The imaging device 42 captures an image of the inside of the carton 1C, and image data of the inside of the carton 1C captured by the imaging device 42 is transmitted from the imaging device 42 to the control device 50.

[0061] The control device 50 analyzes the internal image of the carton 1C represented by the image data received from the imaging device 42 and performs an image inspection of the carton 1C for the presence of foreign matter (step 68). If a foreign matter is detected, as described above, the control device 50 skips the filling process described below for the carton 1C for which the presence of foreign matter has been detected. The carton 1D is transported as is, without any contents filled, thereby preventing defective products from being shipped. The inspection results and the image data used for the inspection are also recorded in the management database 51 (step 87). The above-described image-based inspection for the presence of foreign matter is only one example. Other image inspections may be performed instead of or in addition to the inspection for the presence of foreign matter. For example, the inspection may include detecting the presence of a different type of stopper 6 (e.g., the wrong color) or measuring the shape of the end face of the upper edge of the carton 1C (which allows for estimation of the heating quality in the heating process described below). The imaging device 42 can be installed at any station. Multiple imaging devices 42 may also be installed at multiple locations.

[0062] The 32nd station ST32 is provided with a filling device 43. The filling device 43 includes a filling tank and a filling nozzle, and the liquid content sent into the filling tank is sent into the carton 1C through the filling nozzle (step 69). Multiple stations preceding the 32nd station ST32 may be used to remove foreign matter (such as paper dust) from inside the carton 1C, crease (pre-fold) the top opening of the carton 1C, and so on.

[0063] A thermometer (not shown) is also installed in the filling tank at the 32nd station ST32 where the filling device 43 is installed, and when the carton 1C is stationary at the 32nd station ST32, the temperature data of the filling tank measured by the thermometer is transmitted to the control device 50 and recorded in the management database 51 (step 88).

[0064] The 41st station ST41 and the 42nd station ST42 are provided with a heated air blower 44. The heated air blower 44 is of a type that heats the roof tops (upper parts) of two adjacent cartons 1C with hot air, and the roof tops of the cartons 1C are heated twice at the two stations, the 41st station ST41 and the 42nd station ST42, until the temperature of the roof tops of the cartons 1C reaches a temperature at which they can be bonded (step 70, top roasting).

[0065] Thermometers and pressure gauges (not shown) are also installed at the 41st and 42nd stations ST41, ST42 where the heated air blower 44 is installed, and when the carton 1C is stationary at the 41st and 42nd stations ST41, ST42, data (top seal conditions) indicating the heater temperature (searing temperature) measured by the thermometer and the blower pressure (discharge pressure) measured by the pressure gauge are sent to the control device 50 and recorded in the management database 51 (step 89, FIG. 6). In the management database 51 shown in FIG. 6, "searing temperature (1)" and "blower pressure (1)" in the top seal conditions indicate the measurement data of the thermometer and pressure gauge installed at the 41st station ST41, and "searing temperature (2)" and "blower pressure (2)" indicate the measurement data of the thermometer and pressure gauge installed at the 42nd station ST42.

[0066] The 44th station ST44 is provided with a press device 45. The press device 45 grips the roof top of the carton 1C and applies pressure, thereby sealing (temporarily sealing) the panel at the roof top of the carton 1C.

[0067] Pressing devices 46 and 47 are provided at the 45th station ST45 and the 47th station ST47, respectively. The roof top of the carton 1C is pressed in the pressing devices 46 and 47, and the sloped roof portion 3 and the top 5 are sealed by further pressing (step 71), completing the gable-top liquid-filled paper container 1D (Figure 1). Depending on the filling capacity, multiple pressing devices may be provided as in this example, or only one may be provided.

[0068] Press 46 (or press 47) has a flow path through which cooling water flows, and press 46, cooled by the cooling water, is pressed against the top of carton 1C, thereby accelerating the solidification (sealing) of the resin. When carton 1C is stationary at 45th station ST45, the cooling water temperature (chiller water temperature) measured by the thermometer, the cooling water flow rate (chiller water flow rate) measured by the flowmeter, and the press pressure (top seal condition) measured by the pressure gauge provided on the press are sent to control device 50 and recorded in management database 51 (step 90).

[0069] The completed liquid-containing paper container 1D is discharged from the linear conveying device 30 (step 72). The discharge time of the liquid-containing paper container 1D is recorded in the management database 51 (step 91).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the management database 51 records the time of carton insertion, mandrel number, carrier holder number, various measurement data, and the like, in association with the individual identification number that identifies each of the cartons 1A-1C (liquid paper containers 1D). Because the individual identification number is printed on the liquid paper container 1D, it is possible to identify the mandrel and carrier holder used in manufacturing the liquid paper container 1D even after shipment, and to identify the manufacturing conditions (manufacturing history) of the liquid paper container 1D in detail. This makes it easy to narrow down the cause of a problem when a problem occurs in the liquid paper container 1D. For example, if it is determined that problems are concentrated in liquid paper containers 1D manufactured using a specific mandrel, the filling machine 10 can be controlled to avoid using only that specific mandrel, thereby minimizing the time loss caused by production stoppages, without having to stop operation of the filling machine 10 and spend time inspecting or investigating the entire system in detail. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1A, 1B, 1C carton 1D liquid paper container 6. Stopper 7 Individual Identification Symbol 10. Filling machine with information collection function 20 Turret transport device 21 Turret 22,42 Imaging device 23,24,44 Heating blower device 25. Deformation device 26, 45, 46, 47 Press equipment 30 Linear conveying device 34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d Carrier holder 41 Plug attachment device 43 Filling equipment 50 Control device 51 Management Database

Claims

1. a conveying means including a plurality of holding means for holding the plurality of cartons to be supplied, respectively, and for intermittently conveying the plurality of cartons held by the plurality of holding means by intermittently moving the holding means; a filling means for filling the liquid contents into the carton when the conveying means stops conveying; a sealing means for sealing the opening of the carton when the conveying means stops conveying; a measuring means for measuring the sealing conditions when the sealing means is used; and a means for providing unique identification information, which differs for each carton, to both a printing device that prints the identification information on the carton and the storage means; The storage means stores, in association with the unique identification information that differs for each of the cartons provided, identification information of the holding means that holds the carton identified by the unique identification information that differs for each of the cartons, and sealing conditions for the carton. A filling machine with information gathering function.

2. the conveying means comprises first conveying means, the holding means comprising a mandrel into which the carton is inserted, and second conveying means, the holding means comprising a carrier holder that supports from the outside the carton delivered from the first conveying means; the identification information of the mandrel and the identification information of the carrier holder are stored in the storage means in association with unique identification information that differs for each carton; The filling machine with information collection function according to claim 1.

3. the sealing means includes bottom sealing means for sealing the bottom of cartons whose roof and bottom are both open and which are intermittently conveyed by the first conveying means, and top sealing means for sealing the top of the roof of cartons whose bottoms are closed and whose roofs are open and which are intermittently conveyed by the second conveying means; The sealing conditions when sealing by the bottom sealing means and the sealing conditions when sealing by the top sealing means are stored in the storage means in association with unique identification information that differs for each carton. The filling machine with information collection function according to claim 2.

4. An imaging means for imaging the carton is provided, data representing the image of the carton captured by the imaging means is stored in the storage means in association with unique identification information that differs for each carton; The filling machine with an information collection function according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. At least one of the time when the carton is put into the filling machine and the time when the carton is discharged from the filling machine is stored in the storage means in association with unique identification information that differs for each carton. The filling machine with an information collection function according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. acquiring unique identification information that is different for each carton and that is assigned to each of the plurality of cartons that are supplied; intermittently moving a plurality of holding means that respectively hold a plurality of cartons to be supplied, thereby intermittently conveying a plurality of cartons respectively held by the plurality of holding means; When transportation stops, liquid contents are filled into the carton, When transport stops, the opening of the carton is sealed, Measure the sealing conditions during sealing, providing unique identification information that differs for each carton to both a printing device that prints the identification information on the carton and a storage device; storing in a storage device, in association with the unique identification information that differs for each of the cartons provided, the identification information of the holding means that holds the carton identified by the unique identification information that differs for each of the cartons, and the sealing conditions for the carton; How to collect information on a filling machine.

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